DE102022129173A1 - snow melting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wiper system (2) contains a wiper blade (21) for wiping a windshield, an angle sensor (23) and a motor (22). The motor drives the wiper blade to reverse a wiping operation of the wiper blade at a reverse position based on the angle sensor, such that rotation of the motor when the wiper blade moves to a released position is reversed to rotation of the motor when the wiper blade moves moved to a ready position. A first heating element (3) is installed near a front pillar and generates heat when energized. A determiner (S303, S503, S703, S803) determines whether snow is accumulating on a surface of the windshield based on an operation of the wiper system. A controller (S304, S504, S704, S804) controls energization of the first heater and energizes the first heater upon determination of the determination means that snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield.

Description

technical field

The present disclosure relates to a snow melting device for vehicles.

State of the art

JP-5090960B2 discloses a window glass heater that includes an inner heater and an outer heater. The inner heater is provided on the inner glass of a windshield and heats the entire surface of the windshield. The outer heater is provided on the outer glass of the windshield and heats a part of the windshield near a wiper stand-by position and the front pillar. When a defroster switch is turned on, the window glass heater energizes the interior heater. When a defrost switch is turned on, the window glass heater powers the exterior heater. The window glass heater activates the interior and exterior heaters when a wiper switch is on and when the outside air temperature is below 2°C. This configuration aims to melt the snow on the windshield to ensure good visibility.

However, the inventor made a detailed study and found the following problem. The window glass heater according to JP-5090960B2 determines whether to energize the inner or outer heater based on states of the defroster switch and the outside temperature. The inner or outer heater can be energized even when the windshield is not covered with snow. Therefore, a disadvantage may arise due to unnecessary supply of power to the internal or external heater.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a snow melting device configured to efficiently melt snow on a windshield.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a snow melting device includes a wiper system. The wiper system includes a wiper blade for wiping a windshield, an angle sensor, and a motor. The motor is configured to drive the wiper blade to reverse a wiping operation of the wiper blade at a reverse position based on the angle sensor such that rotation of the motor when the wiper blade moves to a released position is reversed to rotation of the motor when the wiper blade moves to a standby position. The snow melting device further includes a first heating element installed near a front pillar and configured to generate heat when energized. The snow melting device further includes a determiner configured to determine whether snow is accumulating on a surface of the windshield based on operation of the wiper system. The snow melting device further includes a controller configured to control energization of the first heating element. The controller is configured to energize the first heating element upon the determiner determining that snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield.

This configuration enables efficient melting of snow on a windshield.

character list

• 1 ist ein Blockdiagramm, das eine Konfiguration eines Schneeschmelzsystems darstellt;
• 2A ist ein erläuterndes Diagramm, das eine Windschutzscheibe darstellt, an der sich Schnee ansammelt;
• 2B ist ein erläuterndes Diagramm, das ein Wischerblatt darstellt, das in eine Bereitschaftsposition bewegt wird;
• 2C ist ein erläuterndes Diagramm, das ein Wischerblatt darstellt, das in eine freigegebene Position bewegt wird;
• 2D ist ein erläuterndes Diagramm, das ein erstes Heizelement darstellt, das für die Windschutzscheibe vorgesehen ist;
• 3 ist ein Blockdiagramm, das eine Konfiguration eines Wischersystems darstellt;
• 4 ist ein erläuterndes Diagramm, das einen Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel darstellt;
• 5 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das einen Motorsteuerprozess darstellt
• 6 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das einen Rückzugsprozess darstellt;
• 7 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das einen ersten Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsprozess gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel darstellt;
• 8 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das einen zweiten Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsprozess gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel darstellt;
• 9 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das den ersten Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsprozess gemäß einer Abwandlung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels darstellt;
• 10 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das den zweiten Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsprozess gemäß einer Abwandlung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels darstellt;
• 11 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das den ersten Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsprozess gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel darstellt;
• 12 ist ein erläuterndes Diagramm, das einen Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel darstellt;
• 13 ist ein Ablaufdiagramm, das den ersten Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsprozess gemäß einer Abwandlung des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels darstellt;
• 14A stellt eine Konfiguration dar, bei der eine Vorrichtung, die in dem Schneeschmelzsystem enthalten ist, das erste Heizelement und das zweite Heizelement mit Strom versorgt; und
• 14B zeigt eine Konfiguration, bei der eine externe Batterie das erste Heizelement und das zweite Heizelement mit Strom versorgt.

The above-described and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more clear from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

• 1 Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a snow melting system;
• 2A Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a windshield on which snow accumulates;
• 2 B Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a wiper blade being moved to a standby position;
• 2C Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a wiper blade being moved to a released position;
• 2D Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a first heating element provided for the windshield;
• 3 Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wiper system;
• 4 Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a snow clump detection area according to a first embodiment;
• 5 Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an engine control process
• 6 Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a retreat process;
• 7 12 is a flowchart showing a first snow clump detection process according to the first embodiment;
• 8th 12 is a flowchart showing a second snow clump detection process according to the first embodiment;
• 9 12 is a flowchart showing the first snow clump detection process according to a modification of the first embodiment;
• 10 12 is a flowchart showing the second snow clump detection process according to a modification of the first embodiment;
• 11 12 is a flowchart showing the first snow clump detection process according to a second embodiment;
• 12 Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a snow clump detection range according to the second embodiment;
• 13 12 is a flowchart showing the first snow clump detection process according to a modification of the second embodiment;
• 14A Figure 12 illustrates a configuration in which a device included in the snow melting system supplies power to the first heating element and the second heating element; and
• 14B 12 shows a configuration where an external battery powers the first heating element and the second heating element.

Detailed description

The following description explains exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1. First embodiment

1-1 configuration

a in 1 snow melting system 1 shown is installed in vehicles. The snow melting system 1 includes a wiper system 2, a first heater 3, a second heater 4, a body ECU 5, and a rain sensor 6. The wiper system 2 and the body ECU 5 communicate with other ECUs and onboard devices via a configured as CAN or LIN electrical system. CAN stands for "Controller Area Network". LIN stands for "Local Interconnect Network". CAN is a registered trademark.

The wiper system 2 includes a wiper blade 21 in the 2A until 2D and a wiper motor 22, an angle sensor 23 and a wiper control section (wiper controller) 24 shown in FIG 3 .

The wiper blade 21 wipes off raindrops adhering to the windshield 10 .

The wiper motor 22 drives the wiper blade 21 . The wiper motor 22 can switch between normal rotation (forward) and reverse rotation (reverse). 4 12 illustrates a standby position 11 and a released position 12. The direction in which the wiper blade 21 moves from the standby position 11 to the released position 12 is defined as the normal rotation of the wiper motor 22. FIG. The inverse of the same is defined as reverse rotation. The released position 12 corresponds to a reverse position near the front pillar. The standby position 11 corresponds to a reversing position near the retracted position 13 of the wiper blade 21. The wiper blade 21 is retracted to the retracted position 13 when the wiper system 2 is not wiping.

coming back on 3 For example, the angle sensor 23 detects a rotational position of an output shaft of the wiper motor 22 rotating a wiper rod (not shown). The angle sensor 23 outputs a rotation signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the output shaft from a reference position of the output shaft.

The wiper control section 24 is mainly composed of a known microcomputer 40 including a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43 and a flash memory 44, for example. The CPU 41 executes a program stored in the ROM 42 as a non-volatile tangible storage medium. Executing the program implements the method corresponding to the program. Based on the program, the wiper control section 24 executes an in 5 illustrated engine control process and in 6 illustrated withdrawal process, which will be described later. The wiper control section 24 may include one or more microcomputers.

A technique for embodying functions of the elements included in the wiper control section 24 is not limited to the software. One or more hardware components can be used to embody all or part of the functions. If an electric When electronic circuitry implements as hardware the functions described above, the electronic circuitry can be provided, for example, as a digital circuitry, an analog circuitry, or a combination of these.

When a rotation signal of the angle sensor 23 indicates the released position 12, the wiper control section 24 controls the wiper motor 22 to reversely rotate. When a rotation signal of the angle sensor 23 indicates the standby position 11, the wiper control section 24 controls the wiper motor 22 to rotate normally. By repeating this operation, the wiper blade 21 wipes the windshield 10 while reciprocating in a wiping range between the standby position 11 and the released position 12 . The wiper system 2 reverses the rotation of the connected wiper motor 22 when the wiper blade 21 moves to the released position 12 and then to the ready position 11 . The wiping operation of the wiper blade 21 is reversed at the reverse position.

The voltage applied to the wiper motor 22 is generated based on PWM. The wiper control section 24 includes an H-bridge circuit 25 using FETs as switching elements. The voltage with a predetermined duty ratio is output under the control of the wiper control section 24 .

The wiper control section 24 includes a current detection circuit 26. The current detection circuit 26 detects current values that the wiper motor 22 outputs.

The wiper control section 24 includes a LIN communication circuit 27. The LIN communication circuit 27 transmits and receives frames conforming to the LIN communication protocol.

The wiper control section 24 outputs a snow clump detection signal. The snow clump detection signal indicates that snow is accumulating on the windshield 10 . The method of determining whether snow is accumulating on the windshield 10 will be described later in detail.

That in the 1 and 2 B The first heater 3 shown is provided inside the front pillar and generates heat when energized. For example, a relay 31 turns on and energizes the first heater 3 when the body ECU 5 outputs a signal to turn the first heater 3 on. The first heating element 3 is powered by a battery.

The second heating element 4 is provided in the vicinity of the standby position of the wiper blade 21 and generates heat when energized. For example, a relay 32 turns on and energizes the second heater 4 when the body ECU 5 outputs a signal to turn the second heater 4 on. The second heating element 4 is powered by a battery.

The body ECU 5 is mainly composed of a known microcomputer including a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, and a flash memory 55, for example. The CPU 51 executes a program stored in the ROM 52 as a non-volatile tangible storage medium. Executing the program implements the method corresponding to the program. Based on the program, the body ECU 5 performs an in 7 illustrated first snow clump detection process and an in 8th illustrated second snow clump detection process which will be described later. The body ECU 5 may include one or more microcomputers.

A technique for embodying functions of the elements included in the body ECU 5 is not limited to the software. One or more hardware components can be used to embody all or part of the functions. When an electronic circuit implements in hardware the functions described above, the electronic circuit can be provided, for example, as a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination of these.

The body ECU 5 may determine that the amount of raindrops exceeds a predetermined raindrop threshold based on a raindrop signal (to be described later) output from the rain sensor 6 . Then, the body ECU 5 outputs a signal to the wiper system 2 to start wiping. The body ECU 5 also outputs a signal to the wiper system 2 to start wiping when a driver turns on a wiper switch (not shown).

The rain sensor 6 detects the amount of raindrops adhering to the windshield 10 . The rain sensor 6 is provided for the wiping area of the windshield 10 . It is assumed that the amount of light received by a light receiving element under the condition of the windshield 10 with no raindrops is 100%. The rain sensor 6 detects a change in the amount of received light as the amount of raindrops. Namely, the rain sensor 6 detects a decrease in the amount of received light as the amount of raindrops. The rain sensor 6 outputs to the body ECU 5 a raindrop signal indicative of the amount of raindrops.

1-2 processes

1-2-1. engine control process

Regarding an in 5 In the flowchart illustrated, the following description explains a motor control process performed by the CPU 41 of the wiper control section 24 when the wiper system 2 performs the wiping operation.

In S101, the CPU 41 controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 operates according to the normal rotation or the reverse rotation.

In S102, the CPU 41 determines whether snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield 10 in the snow clump detection area. The snow clump detection area includes an open-side detection area 14 and a closed-side detection area 15, which are shown in FIG 4 are shown. The open-side detection area 14 corresponds to a predetermined range from the released position 12 toward the standby position 11. The closed-side detection area 15 is a combination of a standby-side detection area and a retreat-side detection area. The standby-side detection area corresponds to a predetermined range from the standby position 11 toward the released position 12. The retreat-side detection area corresponds to a range from the retreated position 13 to the standby position 11.

Whether snow accumulates in the snow clump detection area is determined based on the value of the angle sensor 23 and the output current value of the wiper motor 22 . Specifically, it is determined that snow is accumulating in the snow clump detection area when all of the following four conditions are satisfied. The CPU 41 identifies the conditions that the angle sensor 23 indicates an angle corresponding to the open side detection range 14; the rotational speed of the wiper motor 22 is slower than a predetermined speed threshold; the output current value of the wiper motor 22 is greater than a predetermined current threshold value; a specified time has elapsed. In this case, it is determined that snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14 . For example, it may be determined that a lump of snow is detected in the open-side detection area 14 in three consecutive cycles. Then, the CPU 41 can confirm that the snow lump toward the released position 12 is detected. Determining that a clump of snow is detected is equivalent to determining that snow is accumulating. There may be conditions that the angle sensor 23 indicates an angle corresponding to the closed side detection area 15; the rotational speed of the wiper motor 22 is slower than a predetermined speed threshold; the output current value of the wiper motor 22 is greater than a predetermined current threshold value; a specified time has elapsed. When these conditions are all satisfied, the CPU 41 determines that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15 . It can be determined that snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14 or the closed-side detection area 15 . Then, the CPU 41 determines that snow is accumulating in the snow clump detection area. The CPU 41 outputs a snow clump detection signal representing the snow accumulation information in the open-side detection area 14 and the snow accumulation information in the closed-side detection area 15 . The CPU 41 operates the wiper blade 21 at a predetermined torque and continues wiping while determining that snow is not accumulating in the snow clump detection area. At this time, the CPU 41 provides control so that the output current value of the wiper motor 22 corresponds to a predetermined output value. The continued wiping operation can push the snow stuck on the surface of the windshield 10 toward the front pillar and the standby position.

In S102, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the snow clump detection area. Then the CPU 41 proceeds to S103.

In S103, the CPU 41 controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 moves to the reverse position and then reverses. Then the CPU 41 returns to S101.

In S102, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the snow clump detection area. Then, the CPU 41 controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 reverses immediately. Then the CPU 41 returns to S101.

1-2-2. withdrawal process

Regarding an in 6 In the flowchart illustrated, the following description explains a retracting process performed by the CPU 41 of the wiper control section 24 when the wiper blade 21 is instructed to be retracted.

In S201, the CPU 41 controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 operates according to the normal rotation or the reverse rotation.

In S202, the CPU 41 determines whether the wiper motor 22 is requested to stop. Whether the wiper motor 22 is requested to stop is determined based on a signal output from the body ECU 5 when the wiper switch is turned off, or a signal output from the body ECU 5 when it is determined that the amount of raindrops is smaller than the predetermined amount of raindrops.

In S201, it may be determined that the wiper motor 22 is not requested to stop. Then the CPU 41 returns to S201.

It can be determined that the wiper motor 22 is requested to stop. Then the CPU 41 proceeds to S203.

In S203, the CPU 41 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15.

In S203, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then, the CPU 41 proceeds to S204 and controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 moves to the retracted position 13.

In S203, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then, the CPU 41 proceeds to S205 and controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 stops immediately.

1-2-3. First snow clump detection process

Regarding an in 7 Referring to the flowchart shown, the following description explains a first snow lump detection process performed by the CPU 51 of the body ECU 5 . This process is repeatedly performed while the ignition switch is on.

In S301, the CPU 51 performs an initialization process. In particular, the CPU 51 assigns initial values to parameters.

In S302, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a wiping operation request. The wiper operation request means a request to turn on the wiper switch. The request to turn on the wiper switch includes a request for wiper speed. The CPU 51 determines whether there is a wiper operation request based on the raindrop signal output from the rain sensor 6 or information that the driver turns on the wiper switch.

In S302, it may be determined that there is a wiping operation request. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S303.

In S303, the CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14. The CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14 based on the snow-clump detection signal received from the wiper control section 24 . S303 is similar to a process as a determination section (determination means).

In S303, it can be determined that snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14. FIG. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S304 and turns on the first heater 3 . S304 is similar to a process as a control section.

In S303, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S305 and turns off the first heater 3 .

In S306, the CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. The CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15 based on the snow-clump detection signal received from the wiper control section 24 .

In S306, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S307 and turns on the second heater 4 . Then the CPU 51 returns to S302.

In S306, it may be determined that snow is not accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S308 and turns on the second heater element 4 off. Then the CPU 51 returns to S302.

In S302, it may be determined that there is no wiping operation request. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S309 and turns off the first heating element 3 . Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S310.

In S310, the CPU 51 determines whether a rotation signal of the angle sensor 23 for the wiper motor 22 indicates the retracted position 13. The rotation signal is input from the wiper control section 24 .

In S310, it may be determined that the rotation signal of the angle sensor 23 for the wiper motor 22 does not indicate the retracted position 13. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to S311 and outputs a signal to the wiper control section 24 so that the wiper blade 21 is retracted to the retracted position 13.

In S310, it may be determined that the rotation signal of the angle sensor 23 for the wiper motor 22 indicates the retracted position 13. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S312 and turns off the second heater 4 . Then the CPU 51 returns to S302.

In S313, the CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15.

In S313, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S314 and turns on the second heater 4 .

In S313, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S315 and turns off the second heater 4 . Then the CPU 51 returns to S302.

In S316, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a wiping operation request.

In S316, it may be determined that there is no wiper activation request. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S317.

In S316, it may be determined that there is a wiper activation request. Then the CPU 51 returns to S303.

In S317, the CPU 51 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed.

In S317, it may be determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to S318 and outputs a signal to the wiper control section 24 so that the wiper blade 21 is retracted to the retracted position 13.

In S317, it may be determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed. Then the CPU 51 returns to S316.

In S319, the CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15.

In S319, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then the CPU 51 returns to S316.

In S319, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S320 and turns off the second heater 4 . Then the CPU 51 returns to S302.

1-2-4. Second snow clump detection process

Regarding an in 8th In the flowchart illustrated, the description below explains a second snow-clump detection process performed by the CPU 51 of the body ECU 5 and the CPU 41 of the wiper control section 24 . This process is repeatedly performed while the ignition switch is turned off.

In S401, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a request to stop the wiper motor 22.

In S401, it may be determined that there is a request to stop the wiper motor 22. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to S402 and turns off the first heater 3 and the second heater 4.

In S401, it may be determined that there is no request to stop the wiper motor 22. Then the CPU 51 returns to S401.

In S403, the CPU 51 notifies the CPU 41 of the request to stop the wiper motor 22.

In S404, the CPU 41 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15.

In S404, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then, the CPU 41 proceeds to S405 and controls the wiper motor 22 to stop the wiper blade 21 immediately.

In S404, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then, the CPU 41 proceeds to S406 and controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 moves to the retracted position 13.

1-3 Modification of the first embodiment

The first embodiment provides the first heating element 3 and the second heating element 4 . The second heating element 4 can optionally not be provided.

1-3-1. First snow clump detection process

Regarding an in 9 In the illustrated flowchart, the following description explains the first snow-clump detection process in a configuration in which only the first heating element 3 is provided.

In S501, the CPU 51 performs an initialization process. In particular, the CPU 51 assigns initial values to parameters.

In S502, the CPU 51 determines whether the wiper switch is on.

In S502, it may be determined that the wiper switch is on. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S503.

In S503, the CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14. S503 is equal to S303. S503 is similar to a process as the determination section.

In S503, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S504 and turns on the first heater 3 . S504 is comparable to a process as the control section.

In S503, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S505 and turns off the first heater 3 .

In S502, it may be determined that the wiper switch is off. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S506 and turns off the first heater 3 .

1-3-2. Second snow clump detection process

Regarding an in 10 In the illustrated flowchart, the following description explains the second snow-clump detection process in a configuration in which only the first heating element 3 is provided.

In S601, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a request to stop the wiper motor 22.

In S601, it may be determined that there is a request to stop the wiper motor 22. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S602 and turns off the first heater 3 .

In S601, it may be determined that there is no request to stop the wiper motor 22. Then the CPU 51 returns to S601.

In S603, the CPU 51 notifies the CPU 41 of the request to stop the wiper motor 22.

In S604, the CPU 41 determines whether snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15.

In S604, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then, the CPU 41 proceeds to S605 and controls the wiper motor 22 to stop the wiper blade 21 immediately.

In S604, it may be determined that no snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15. Then, the CPU 41 proceeds to S606 and controls the wiper motor 22 so that the wiper blade 21 moves to the retracted position 13.

1-4 effects

• (1a) Die CPU 51 schaltet das erste Heizelement 3 ein, wenn bestimmt wird, dass sich Schnee in dem Offene-Seite-Erfassungsbereich 14 ansammelt. Die CPU 51 schaltet das zweite Heizelement 4 ein, wenn bestimmt wird, dass sich Schnee in dem Geschlossene-Seite-Erfassungsbereich 15 ansammelt. Diese Konfiguration schaltet nur das Heizelement näher an einem Schneeklumpen ein. Daher ermöglicht diese Konfiguration, Schneeklumpen zu schmelzen und zu verhindern, dass die Heizelemente unnötigerweise mit Energie versorgt werden. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht ein effizientes Schmelzen des auf der Windschutzscheibe 10 angesammelten Schnees.
• (1b) Das erste Heizelement 3 ist innerhalb der vorderen Säule vorgesehen. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht es, den nahe der freigegeben Position 12 angesammelten Schnee von der vorderen Säule zu schmelzen. Das erste Heizelement 3 ist dem Sichtfeld des Fahrers verborgen. Daher ermöglicht es diese Konfiguration, zu verhindern, dass die Sicht des Fahrers behindert wird.
• (1c) Wenn das Wischerblatt 21 zurückgezogen wird, schaltet die CPU 51 das zweite Heizelement 4 ein, nachdem Bestimmen, dass sich Schnee in dem Geschlossene-Seite-Erfassungsbereich 15 ansammelt. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht es, einen Schneeklumpen um die zurückgezogene Position 13 herum zu schmelzen und dann das Wischerblatt 21 zurückzuziehen. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht es zu verhindern, dass das Wischerblatt 21 durch gewaltsames Wischen von Schneeklumpen beschädigt wird.

As previously described in detail, the first embodiment provides the following effects.

• (1a) The CPU 51 turns on the first heating element 3 when it is determined that snow is accumulating in the open-side detection area 14 . The CPU 51 turns on the second heating element 4 when it is determined that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15 . This configuration only turns on the heating element closer to a clump of snow. Therefore, this configuration allows to melt snow lumps and prevent the heating element ments are unnecessarily supplied with energy. This configuration enables the snow accumulated on the windshield 10 to be melted efficiently.
• (1b) The first heating element 3 is provided inside the front pillar. This configuration makes it possible to melt the snow accumulated near the released position 12 from the front pillar. The first heating element 3 is hidden from the driver's field of vision. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to prevent the driver's view from being obstructed.
• (1c) When the wiper blade 21 is retracted, the CPU 51 turns on the second heating element 4 after determining that snow is accumulating in the closed-side detection area 15 . This configuration makes it possible to melt a lump of snow around the retracted position 13 and then to retract the wiper blade 21 . This configuration makes it possible to prevent the wiper blade 21 from being damaged by forcibly wiping snow lumps.

1-5 correspondence relationship

Regarding the first embodiment, the wiper system 2 corresponds to the wiper system of the snow melting device. The first heating element 3 corresponds to the first heating element of the snow melting device. The second heating element 4 corresponds to the second heating element of the snow melting device. The body ECU 5 corresponds to the determination section (determination means) and the control section (control means) of the snow melting device. Regarding the modification of the first embodiment, the wiper system 2 corresponds to the wiper system of the snow melting device. The first heating element 3 corresponds to the first heating element of the snow melting device. The body ECU 5 corresponds to the determination section (determination means) and the control section (control means) of the snow melting device.

2. Second embodiment

The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Differences are described below. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment denote the same configuration. Reference is made to the explanation described above.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the area of determining whether snow is accumulating, corresponding to S303 and S306 in FIG 7 . The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the area of determining whether snow is accumulating, corresponding to S503 in FIG 9 .

2-1 First snow clump detection process

Regarding an in 11 In the flowchart shown, the following description explains the first snow lump detection process performed by the CPU 51 of the body ECU 5. This process is repeatedly performed while the ignition switch is on.

S701 and S702 are equal to S301 and S302.

In S703, the CPU 51 determines whether a released-side determination area 61 accumulates snow. As in 12 As shown, the released page determination area 61 ranges from a first reference position 64a to a second reference position 64b. The first reference position 64a is spaced from the released position 12 of the wiper blade 21 toward the standby position 11 of the wiper blade 21 . The second reference position 64b is spaced from the first reference position 64a toward the standby position 11 of the wiper blade 21 . The CPU 51 does not determine whether snow accumulates in a range 65 from the released position 12 to the first reference position 64a of the wiper blade 21 . Specifically, the CPU 41 determines that snow is accumulating in the snow clump detection area when all of the following four conditions are satisfied. The conditions are as follows: the angle sensor 23 indicates an angle corresponding to the released side determination area 61; the rotational speed of the wiper motor 22 is slower than a predetermined speed threshold; the output current value of the wiper motor 22 is greater than a predetermined current threshold value; a predetermined time has elapsed. Under these conditions, it is determined that snow accumulates in the released side determination area 61 . It may be advantageous to complete the detection of a snow lump at the released position 12 when it is determined that a snow lump is detected in the released side determination area 61 in three consecutive cycles, for example. It may be advantageous to provide hysteresis for angles sensed by angle sensor 23 . In particular, it is assumed that once it is determined that snow accumulates in the released side determination area 61 . Then the first heating element 3 turns on and then turns off at a reference position that can be shifted toward the released position 12 . It is possible to prevent the first heating element 3 from being repeatedly turned on and off in a short time. S703 is similar to a process as the determination section.

In S703, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the released side determination area 61. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S704 and turns on the first heater 3 . S704 is comparable to a process as the control section.

In S703, it can be determined that no snow is accumulating in the released side determination area 61. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S705 and turns off the first heater 3 .

In S706, the CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in a standby side determination area 62. The standby side determination area 62 ranges from a first reference position 67a to a second reference position 67b. The first reference position 67a is spaced from the standby position 11 of the wiper blade 21 toward the released position 12 of the wiper blade 21 . The second reference position 67b is spaced from the first reference position 67a toward the released position 12 of the wiper blade 21 . The CPU 51 does not determine whether snow accumulates in a range 68 from the retracted position 13 to the first reference position 67a of the wiper blade 21.

In S706, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the standby side determination area 62. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S707 and turns on the second heater 4 .

In S706, it may be determined that snow is not accumulating in the standby-side determination area 62. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S708 and turns off the second heater 4 .

S709 to S720 are equal to S309 to S320.

2-2 Modification of the second embodiment

The second embodiment provides the first heating element 3 and the second heating element 4 . The second heating element 4 can optionally not be provided.

2-2-1. First snow clump detection process

Regarding an in 13 In the flowchart shown, the following description explains the first snow-clump detection process in a configuration in which only the first heating element 3 is provided.

S801, S802 and S806 are equal to S501, S502 and S506.

In S803, the CPU 51 determines whether the released side determination area 61 accumulates snow. S803 is equal to S703. S803 is comparable to a process as the determination section.

In S803, it may be determined that snow is accumulating in the released side determination area 61. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S804 and turns on the first heater 3 . S804 is similar to a process as the control section.

In S803, it can be determined that no snow is accumulating in the released side determination area 61. Then the CPU 51 proceeds to S805 and turns off the first heater 3 .

2-3 effects

• (2a) Die CPU 51 bestimmt, ob sich Schnee in dem Freigegebene-Seite-Bestimmungsbereich 61 ansammelt. Der Freigegebene-Seite-Bestimmungsbereich 61 reicht von der ersten Referenzposition 64a zu der zweiten Referenzposition 64b. Die erste Referenzposition 64a ist von der freigegebenen Position 12 des Wischerblatts 21 in Richtung zu der Bereitschaftsposition 11 des Wischerblatts 21 beabstandet. Die zweite Referenzposition 64b ist von der ersten Referenzposition 64a in Richtung zu der Bereitschaftsposition 11 des Wischerblatts 21 beabstandet. Die CPU 51 bestimmt nicht, ob sich Schnee in dem Bereich 65 von der freigegebenen Position 12 bis zu der ersten Referenzposition 64a des Wischerblatts 21 ansammelt. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht es zu verhindern, dass sich das erste Heizelement 3 einschaltet, wenn der Schneefall nicht ausreicht, um das erste Heizelement 3 einzuschalten. Das erste Heizelement 3 kann effizienter genutzt werden.
• (2b) Die CPU 51 bestimmt, ob sich Schnee in dem Bereitschafts-Seite-Bestimmungsbereich 62 ansammelt. Der Bereitschafts-Seite-Bestimmungsbereich 62 reicht von der ersten Referenzposition 67a zu der zweiten Referenzposition 67b. Die erste Referenzposition 67a ist von der Bereitschaftsposition 11 des Wischerblatts 21 in Richtung zu der freigegebenen Position 12 des Wischerblatts 21 beabstandet. Die zweite Referenzposition 64b ist von der ersten Referenzposition 67a in Richtung zu der freigegebenen Position 12 des Wischerblatts 21 beabstandet. Die CPU 51 bestimmt nicht, ob sich Schnee in dem Bereich 68 von der zurückgezogenen Position 13 bis zu der ersten Referenzposition 67a des Wischerblatts 21 ansammelt. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht es zu verhindern, dass sich das zweite Heizelement 4 einschaltet, wenn der Schneefall nicht ausreicht, um das zweite Heizelement 4 einzuschalten. Das zweite Heizelement 4 kann effizienter genutzt werden

As described in detail above, the second embodiment provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

• (2a) The CPU 51 determines whether the released side determination area 61 accumulates snow. The released page determination area 61 ranges from the first reference position 64a to the second reference position 64b. The first reference position 64a is spaced from the released position 12 of the wiper blade 21 toward the standby position 11 of the wiper blade 21 . The second reference position 64b is spaced from the first reference position 64a toward the standby position 11 of the wiper blade 21 . The CPU 51 does not determine whether snow accumulates in the range 65 from the released position 12 to the first reference position 64a of the wiper blade 21. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the first heater 3 from turning on when snowfall is insufficient to turn on the first heater 3 . The first heating element 3 can be used more efficiently.
• (2b) The CPU 51 determines whether snow is accumulating in the standby side determination area 62. The standby side determination area 62 ranges from the first reference position 67a to the second reference position 67b. The first reference position 67a is spaced from the standby position 11 of the wiper blade 21 toward the released position 12 of the wiper blade 21 . The second reference position 64b is spaced from the first reference position 67a toward the released position 12 of the wiper blade 21 . The CPU 51 does not determine whether snow accumulates in the range 68 from the retracted position 13 to the first reference position 67a of the wiper blade 21. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the second heater 4 from turning on when snowfall is insufficient to turn on the second heater 4 . The second heating element 4 can be used more efficiently

3. Other Embodiments

• (3a) Gemäß den zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen ist das erste Heizelement 3 innerhalb der vorderen Säule vorgesehen. Die Position zum Bereitstellen des ersten Heizelements 3 ist jedoch nicht darauf beschränkt. Zum Beispiel kann das erste Heizelement 3 für die Windschutzscheibe 10 in der Nähe der vorderen Säule vorgesehen sein, wie in 2D dargestellt. Das erste Heizelement 3 kann als eine Folienheizung vorgesehen sein. Das erste Heizelement 3 kann an der Windschutzscheibe 10 auf der Seite des Fahrzeuginnenraums angebracht sein oder kann zwischen dem Außenglas und dem Innenglas vorgesehen sein, welche die Windschutzscheibe 10 bilden.
• (3b) Gemäß den zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen schaltet die Karosserie-ECU 5 den Wischerschalter ein, wenn bestimmt wird, dass die Menge an Regentropfen, die durch den Regensensor 6 erfasst wird, den vorgegebenen Regentropfenschwellenwert überschreitet. Der Zeitpunkt zum Einschalten des Wischerschalters ist jedoch nicht darauf beschränkt. Zum Beispiel kann der Fahrer den Wischerschalter manuell einschalten.
• (3c) Das erste Ausführungsbeispiel bestimmt, ob sich Schnee in dem Offene-Seite-Erfassungsbereich 14 und dem Geschlossene-Seite-Erfassungsbereich 15 ansammelt. Das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel bestimmt, ob sich Schnee in dem Freigegebene-Seite-Bestimmungsbereich 61 und dem Bereitschafts-Seite-Bestimmungsbereich 62 ansammelt. Die Bereiche zum Erfassen der Schneefallansammlung sind jedoch nicht darauf beschränkt. Zum Beispiel kann es vorteilhaft sein, zu erfassen, ob sich Schnee auf der gesamten Oberfläche der Windschutzscheibe 10 ansammelt.
• (3d) Die zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele bestimmen die Schneefallansammlung in dem Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich, wenn alle vier Bedingungen erfüllt sind, nämlich der Erfassungsbereich, die Drehzahl des Wischermotors 22, der Ausgangsstromwert des Wischermotors 22 und die verstrichene Zeit. Jedoch können andere Verfahren verwendet werden, um die Schneefallansammlung in dem Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich zu bestimmen. Zum Beispiel kann nur ein Teil der vier Bedingungen verwendet werden, um die Schneefallansammlung in dem Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich zu bestimmen. Eine Kombination mit anderen Bedingungen kann verwendet werden, um die Schneefallansammlung in dem Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich zu bestimmen. Zum Beispiel kann es vorteilhaft sein, die Schneefallansammlung in dem Schneeklumpen-Erfassungsbereich basierend auf Bildern einer Kamera zu bestimmen, die installiert ist, um die Oberfläche der Windschutzscheibe 10 aufzunehmen. Außerdem kann die Außentemperatur zur Bestimmung der Schneefallansammlung berücksichtigt werden. Insbesondere können die zuvor beschriebenen Bestimmungen durch eine Bestimmung ergänzt werden, ob der Wert des Außenlufttemperatursensors kleiner oder gleich einem vorgegebenen Temperaturschwellenwert ist.
• (3e) Gemäß den zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen werden das erste Heizelement 3 und das zweite Heizelement 4 von der Batterie mit Strom versorgt, wie in den 1 und 14B dargestellt. Wie jedoch in 14A dargestellt, können das erste Heizelement 3 und das zweite Heizelement 4 durch eine Vorrichtung mit Strom versorgt werden, die in dem Schneeschmelzsystem 1 enthalten ist.
• (3f) Eine Funktion eines Elements in den Ausführungsbeispielen kann auf mehrere Elemente verteilt sein. Funktionen mehrerer Elemente können in einem Element integriert sein. Die Konfigurationen der Ausführungsbeispiele können teilweise weggelassen werden. Die Konfiguration eines der Ausführungsbeispiele kann zumindest teilweise zu den Konfigurationen der anderen Ausführungsbeispiele hinzugefügt werden oder diese ersetzen.

While the specific preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be clearly understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto but may otherwise be variously embodied.

• (3a) According to the above-described embodiments, the first heater 3 is provided inside the front pillar. However, the position for providing the first heating element 3 is not limited to this. For example, the first heating element 3 for the windshield 10 may be provided in the vicinity of the front pillar as shown in FIG 2D shown. The first heating element 3 can be provided as a foil heater. The first heating element 3 may be attached to the windshield 10 on the vehicle interior side, or may be provided between the outer glass and the inner glass constituting the windshield 10 .
• (3b) According to the above-described embodiments, the body ECU 5 turns on the wiper switch when it is determined that the amount of raindrops detected by the rain sensor 6 exceeds the predetermined raindrop threshold value. However, the timing to turn on the wiper switch is not limited to this. For example, the driver can turn on the wiper switch manually.
• (3c) The first embodiment determines whether snow accumulates in the open-side detection area 14 and the closed-side detection area 15 . The second embodiment determines whether snow accumulates in the released side determination area 61 and the standby side determination area 62 . However, the areas for detecting the snowfall accumulation are not limited to this. For example, it may be beneficial to detect whether snow is accumulating on the entire surface of windshield 10 .
• (3d) The above-described embodiments determine snowfall accumulation in the snow clump detection area when all four conditions are satisfied, namely, the detection area, the rotation speed of the wiper motor 22, the output current value of the wiper motor 22, and the elapsed time. However, other methods can be used to determine the snowfall accumulation in the snow clump detection area. For example, only a portion of the four conditions may be used to determine snowfall accumulation in the snow clump detection area. A combination of other conditions can be used to determine snowfall accumulation in the snow clump detection area. For example, it may be advantageous to determine the snowfall accumulation in the snow clump detection area based on images from a camera installed to capture the surface of the windshield 10 . In addition, the outside temperature can be taken into account to determine snowfall accumulation. In particular, the determinations described above can be supplemented by a determination as to whether the value of the outside air temperature sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold value.
• (3e) According to the above-described embodiments, the first heater 3 and the second heater 4 are powered by the battery as shown in FIGS 1 and 14B shown. However, as in 14A As shown, the first heating element 3 and the second heating element 4 can be powered by a device included in the snow melting system 1 .
• (3f) A function of an element in the exemplary embodiments can be distributed over a number of elements. Functions of several elements can be integrated in one element. The configurations of the embodiments can be partially omitted. The configuration of one of the embodiments may at least partially add to or replace the configurations of the other embodiments.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• JP 5090960 B2 [0002, 0003]

Claims (8)

Snow melting device with: a wiper system (2), which has a wiper blade (21) for wiping a windshield (10), an angle sensor (23), and a motor (22) configured to drive the wiper blade to reverse a wiping operation of the wiper blade at a reversing position based on the angle sensor such that rotation of the motor when the wiper blade moves to a released position results in rotation of the Motors is reversed when the wiper blade moves to a standby position; a first heating element (3) installed in the vicinity of a front pillar and configured to generate heat when energized; a determiner (S303, S503, S703, S803) configured to determine whether snow is accumulating on a surface of the windshield based on an operation of the wiper system; and a controller (S304, S504, S704, S804) configured to control energization of the first heating element, wherein the controller is configured to energize the first heating element upon the determination by the determination device that snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield. snow melting device claim 2 , wherein the first heating element is provided inside the front pillar. snow melting device claim 1 or 2 wherein the first heating element is provided on the windshield near the front pillar. Snow melting device according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , further comprising: a second heating element (4) installed near the standby position of the wiper blade and configured to generate heat when energized, wherein the controller is configured to energize the second control the heating element and energize the second heating element upon the determining means determining that snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield. snow melting device claim 4 wherein the controller is configured to energize the first heating element upon the determining means determining that snow is accumulating in a first area (14) around the released position of the wiper blade, and the controller is configured to energize the second heating element upon the determining means determining that snow is accumulating in a second area (15) around the standby position of the wiper blade. Snow melting device according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the determining device is configured to determine whether snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield based on a range (61) ranging from a first reference position (64a) to a second reference position (64b), the first reference position is spaced from the released position of the wiper blade toward the standby position of the wiper blade, and the second reference position is spaced from the first reference position toward the standby position of the wiper blade. snow melting device claim 6 wherein the determining means is configured not to determine whether snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield in a non-determination area (65) between the enabled position and the first reference position. Snow melting device with: at least one processor configured to Causing a wiper blade to wipe a windshield (10) of a vehicle between a released position and a standby position by controlling an output current of a motor to switch between rotation of the motor when the wiper blade moves to the released position and rotation reversing the motor when the wiper blade moves to the standby position based on a signal from an angle sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the motor; determining whether snow is accumulating on a surface of the windshield based on operation of at least one of signal from the angle sensor and output current of the motor; and energizing a first heating element (3) installed in the vicinity of a front pillar of the vehicle to generate heat when it is determined that snow is accumulating on the surface of the windshield.

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